A Piney Lake Wedding in Vail, Colorado

Kirsten and Will first slid into my DMs (well… my inquiry form, but that’s basically the same thing) back in June 2024. On it, Kirsten wrote, “I love your editing style and previous photos at Piney.” Piney Lake (Piney River Ranch) is one of my all-time favorite spots, so when I saw they were dreaming of that exact location, I knew this was going to be a match made in wedding-planning heaven.

We got them booked in record time. A few weeks later, we were laughing our way through a gorgeous summer engagement session. From there, we spent the rest of the year trading texts—sometimes about photography, sometimes about which coffee shops they needed to try—meeting up when they were in town, and swapping vendor recommendations as if it were our job. By the time their wedding rolled around, it didn’t feel like I was showing up as just their photographer. It felt like I was celebrating with friends.

The Magic of Piney River Ranch

If you’ve ever been to Piney River Ranch, then you’re familiar with its glassy lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks, fields of wildflowers, and air so crisp you wish you could bottle it. It’s the kind of place where you can’t take a bad photo. But of course, I still try to take ridiculously good ones.

Kirsten’s vision for the day was ethereal summer magic—light, airy, and just plain joyful. She chose a pastel palette of pale butter yellow, soft blue, and blush pink, blending seamlessly with the wildflowers around the lake. Colorado blessed us with beautiful weather, gentle breezes, and that golden, glowy light.

A Piney Lake Wedding Full of Love & Laughter

Some weddings radiate connection, and Kirsten and Will’s was one of those days. One of my favorite parts was watching Kirsten with her twin sister. Their bond was so genuine and effortless, you could tell they’ve been each other’s built-in best friend since day one. Every time they hugged, laughed, or shared a look, the whole room seemed to soften. The guest list was small enough that everyone felt like family (and if they weren’t related, they sure acted like it). These were beautiful moments I felt lucky to witness… and of course, capture forever.

Kirsten and Will decided to end the night in true Piney River Ranch fashion—by hopping into a canoe at sunset. (Because why wouldn’t you paddle off into the golden hour in full wedding attire?). Honestly, if you’re going to have a wedding at Piney, this is how you make your grand exit.

More like this here!

From the Bride:

“WHIT, I wish I could tell you how many people came up to Will and I, telling us how amazing our photographer was!!! You and Brady were literally a dream to work with. Will and the groomsmen loved your husband so much and said he was so fun and personable. And YOU made sure I had so much fun and felt so beautiful the entire day. You got all the epic shots I wanted to get and made sure my day was exactly how I wanted it to be. I couldn’t imagine having a different photographer because you literally were a 10000/10 and I will talk forever about how amazing my wedding photographer was!! The special touch with the film Polaroid pics in the album in the getaway car was just chef’s kiss, and everyone is saying how thoughtful it was. I could just go on forever, but now I just cannot WAIT to see our amazing pics!!!!😭😭🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼”

Vendors

Planner & Florals | Privé Events

Venue & Catering | Piney River Ranch

DJ | Diamond Empire Band

Videographer | Piper Allison Videography

Cake | Cornerstone Chocolates & Confections